As a first time visitor, Simon Thomas is left wondering why it took him so long to travel north to the stunning landscapes of Snowdonia

I HAVE a confession to make. I had never been to Snowdonia before.

In fact, I’d hardly ever been to North Wales.

Despite having spent virtually all my 40-plus years in this country, the north was a foreign land to me and I wouldn’t imagine I’m entirely on my own here.

For people in South Wales, the north of our own country isn’t always an obvious holiday destination.

Much of this is probably due to the transport links between north and south, or certainly our perceptions about them.

In my case, it was also a product of ignorance about just what’s on offer. I reckon I knew more about the attractions of Normandy than north Wales.

Well, I’m glad to say I have now had my eyes opened after spending a hugely enjoyable holiday, along with my two kids, sampling the delights of Snowdonia.

Now admittedly there’s no motorway route available and it can be slow going if you get stuck behind a farm vehicle on the single carriageway section of the A470. But travelling from Cardiff to our base of Betws-y-Coed took under four hours and once we got there, it was immediately apparent that the journey was worthwhile.

Betws-y-Coed is a really bustling little place which was packed out with visitors even though this was right at the end of the holiday season.

Yet despite being a tourist destination, it’s anything but tacky, possessing real character and style, while still offering everything you are looking for from a holiday base.

There’s a wide range of accommodation available, with our home from home being the Ferns Guesthouse, a lovely bed & breakfast on the main road into the town.

It suited myself and the kids down to the ground and was the ideal location from which to explore Snowdonia.The three days we spent there were hardly enough to scratch the surface of this beautiful part of the world. The scenery in itself is worth the trip, with the car journey to Llanberis being one that will stay with me for many a year to come.

As we drove through the Llanberis Pass with the snow-topped peaks of Snowdon peaking above the low, glowering clouds, Adele’s Skyfall came on the car radio.

It was the perfect combination. All that was missing was Daniel Craig emerging out of the mist.

That would have been very fitting because one of the reasons for our journey to Llanberis was to visit an attraction that has actually featured in a James Bond film.

Once inside Electric Mountain, you can understand why.

It’s just like walking onto the set of a Bond movie, with a cavernous chamber and vast tunnels having been carved out deep inside the Elidir Mountain.

You drive straight into the inside of the mountain on the tour and it’s a fascinating experience, which captivated father and kids alike.

As well as looking mightily impressive, it also serves a very practical purpose, being the largest pumped-storage hydro-electric power station in Europe, designed specifically to meet immediate demands for energy, such as the rush for cups of tea at half-time in the FA Cup final.

It can be brought from standby to peak capacity in approximately 12 seconds, with the turbines activated by transferring water from the top lake to the bottom one.

Llanberis is also home of the National Slate Museum, which takes you on an intriguing journey into the past.

You can take a journey of another kind on the Snowdon Mountain Railway, which is a must-do on your trip. The kids particularly loved this chug to the summit and the views are truly spectacular. It’s advisable to book tickets in advance.

Our holiday also took in a visit to the coastal town of Conwy, where the main attraction is the medieval castle, which was built by Edward I during his conquest of Wales in the latter part of the 13th century.

It’s hailed as one of the finest examples of military architecture of that era and you can see why, as it’s an inspiring structure, offering spectacular views of the walled market town, the mountains inland and the estuary out to sea.

The town itself is worth a wander, with the smallest house in Britain among the landmarks, along with the Plas Mawr Elizabethan town house, while Conwy Suspension Bridge, designed by Thomas Telford, is another impressive structure.

To be honest, wherever you look in Snowdonia, there’s something to see, with the scenery being genuinely jaw-dropping.

It’s a delight for walkers, while those seeking more organised, energetic endeavours can try out the Tree Top Adventure centre near Betws, which the kids will love.

But for me, it’s the natural surroundings that really made the trip, with the spectacular Swallow Falls just outside Betws providing a stunning end to a memorable trip.

I returned from Snowdonia asking myself why on earth I hadn’t been before. So go north and enjoy.

Tree Top Adventure Multi-award winning activity provider situated in 100 acres of woodland on the outskirts of Betws y Coed. Home to the UK’s premier high ropes adventure course suitable for groups and families as well as a Tree Tot Trail designed for four-eight-year-olds. Other activities available onsite include orienteering, the Powerfan plummet and the Sky Ride G swing.

National Slate Museum – Situated under towering slate mountains in the Victorian engineering workshops of Dinorwig Slate Quarry, this living, working museum tells the story of North Wales’ slate industry. Enjoy slate-splitting demonstrations, furnished quarrymen’s houses, giant waterwheel – the largest in mainland Britain – exhibitions and events.

Plas Mawr – Plas Mawr, built for Robert Wynn, a well-travelled courtier and an influential Welsh merchant, is an architectural gem. The finest surviving town house of the Elizabethan era to be found anywhere in Britain.